Tuesday, November 26, 2013

About the book: What happens when the matchmaker finds a match for herself?Charlotte Rose Hill has been serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky but beloved customers for more than 10 years. But for her, marriage seems like an elusive butterfly, always out of reach. At 18, Charlotte fell in love with a young man, Sam Wilder, but his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. She did, and then became engaged to another man, who later died before they were married. Now, more than a decade later, Charlotte finds that she still has feelings for her first love. Initially thrilled to learn that Sam has come home to Middlebury, Texas, Charlotte is devastated to learn that he’s brought someone with him: his fiancée. But all is not lost when the townsfolk decide to get involved. Will Charlotte and Sam find their way back to each other?My thoughts:Anita Higman is one of my favorite authors. Well, I have many I enjoy. But I do count Ms. Higman as a favorite. I have reviewed several of her books and look forward to more in the future.Today we’re looking at A Marriage in Middlebury which takes place in a small town and primarily at the local Tea Shop owned by spinster (in her 30s) Charlotte who is also the sweetheart of the small town. Charlotte seems to have a special way of making life just a little better for each and every person she knows. Open the book, turn the pages, and fall in love with Charlotte. The question is, “Why isn’t Charlotte married?”Another you’ll love is young Obie who is from a fractured family and whose troubles only begin once the book starts. So be prepared to open your heart a bit to him.As you meet each character, you discover bits and pieces about them and find that there are missed opportunities, secrets, and broken spirits that need healing. As Anita Higman crafts her characters and weaves their stories toward the book's ending, you will most likely be surprised at just how it does end and at the secrets revealed.Friends, this is another Higman book I can recommend to you.GIVEAWAY: Thanks to the generosity of Anita Higman, one of Chat With Vera's readers has the opportunity to win their own copy A Marriage in Middlebury. Begins November 26 & ENDS December 19 @ 12:01 a.m. Open to those in USA mainland addresses only.a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author: Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

Monday, November 25, 2013

About the book: Michelle Penn has dropped out of college to work as a reporter for a tiny weekly newspaper. The boss's son, Robert Merrick III, is quickly making her forget all about her former sweetheart, Kevin, who has shipped out to Vietnam. Rob loves the newspaper business but feels trapped working for his father. He dreams of having his own newspaper, but now that he's met Michelle, she is what he wants most of all. Rob is forbidden by office policy to date Michelle, but if he were to quit his job, he'd have nothing to offer her.

As snow blankets the town, it seems that the gifts Rob and Michelle most desire -- each other -- are out of reach. But then, they didn't count on a small Christmas miracle.

My thoughts: When the book started out, I thought, "Oh my, a cute contemporary silly-girl-meets-handsome-boy" story," and while that is right, it also develops a bit of meat as the story progresses.

Michelle is breaking into the world of newspaper journalism and meets the son of the newspaper's owner. But rules are "hands off." Michelle goes out with said handsome son on a story run and becomes engrossed with sadness at the plight of the young mother and her child. A friendship eventually develops between Michelle and the young mother and that is where the meat of the story begins to show forth.

Deborah Raney has written an entertaining and good story. She has developed characters who seem like folks you'd like to know. Also, she has brought forth social issues (abuse) that need to be told.

DISCLOSURE: I won this book on a blog giveaway and the review is complimentary to the blogger and the author. Opinions expressed are solely my own.

About the book: There's more to the quaint northern Indiana town of Shipshewana than handcrafted quilts, Amish-made furniture, immaculate farms and close-knit families. When a dead girl is found floating in a local pond, murder is also afoot. And Reuben Fisher is in jail as the suspect! Reuben refuses to divulge any information, even to clear himself of a crime Deborah is certain he didn't commit. So, with her English friend, Callie---fellow sleuth and owner of Daisy's Quilt Shop---Deborah sets out to uncover the truth. But the mystery deepens when an elderly man seeks Callie's help in finding his long-lost daughter, missing since the days of the 1965 Palm Sunday Tornadoes. An old man who has lost his past. A young man who may lose his future. Once again Deborah and Callie find themselves trying to piece together a crazy quilt of lives and events---one that can bring unexpected touches of God's grace and resolve the tragedy that has shaken this quiet Amish community.My thoughts: When Vannetta Chapman writes, she brings her characters vividly to life for the reader and weaves a story of mystery, family, commitment, devotion, devastation, and faith filled lives. Her cozy mysteries depict the Amish in their communities and their relationships with the outside world in a believable way, and I think she truly writes as faithfully about the true side of the Amish as any author published.

In A Perfect Square, which is book 2 in the series, a body is found on an Amish farm and the local law enforcement ends up taking Reuben into custody. While circumstances seem to point to Reuben as the culprit, other forces are at play that indicate differently.

Again, Vannetta Chapman has brought surprise to the story and she has woven it into the very fabric of the Amish community. Along with the details of the mystery, she has focused on the very important quality of Amish quilt making and how they strive for perfection and take such pride in their handcrafted quilts.

About the book: Jack O'Malley hates shopping, snow, and even Christmas. All three at once is Jack's idea of a very bad day. Storming into a Starbucks seeking escape, Jack runs smack into a beautiful and mysterious stranger, almost knocking her over and unintentionally changing his life forever. In this one moment his entire life—who he once was, who he is, and who he has the potential to become—flashes before his eyes. In this humorous rendering of Charles Dickens' classic tale, timeless lessons are reexamined through the lens of modern society. The result is funny, moving, and ultimately thought-provokingMy Thoughts: A nice little Christmas novella read that is a re-take or even a spoof on A Christmas Carol by Dickens. While it is virtually impossible to re-tell such a classic, Hartman does a nifty job of bringing a modern, funny slant to the story. It rolls along with the lovely Carol and the lecherous Jack zipping along time and space to show Jack what he could have been.While the book focuses on the need for Jack to revisit his earlier life when he was more inclined to want to do something good in the world, I felt at times that all we needed was to give a “name” to the charity for the little book to actually be a PR piece for some specific charity. The story has a nice ending and it is a warm, fuzzy read as most Christmas novellas are.DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Kregel for the purpose of giving my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. No compensation was received for this review.

Sometimes we just simply neglect to care for our feet. How many of Chat With Vera's readers truly realize the load our feet carry around all day, every day. Sure we "hear" them when they complain by aching or when we rub a blister on them or stress them with those really cute shoes we just had to have! But what do we do about it besides sit down and maybe prop them up awhile.Just as our face needs moisturizers and care, just as our chapped, winter-reddened hands need therapeutic lotions, our feet need loving care and attention. This is especially true if you are diabetic. However, you don't have to have special health care needs to need to take care of your feet. You just simply need to to take care of them.The Garden Botanika collection of Sweet Mint foot care products brings instant relief to tired, overworked tootsies. It is perfect to give to yourself or someone on your gifting list. It comes ready to give in a clear, vinyl tote. Just look at what this vinyl tote holds....

Now just what does Vera think of these products? Well, first of all the fragrance is light, refreshing, and minty. When I used the cream on my feet, they felt an immediate "lift" and refreshed. They immediately felt softer and relieved. I can only imagine what frequent use of these products will bring to my feet. You know, even Southern ladies "of-a-certain-age" must admit to abusing our tootsies. Well, I have to admit that as a child growing up in the coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina, there was a lot of running barefooted and then, of course, those wonderful beach trips! Well, that starts the soles of our feet on a rough 'n tough road and in our later years we see the wear and tear. But products like Garden Botanika's Twinkle Toes Sweet Mint Foot Care Collection can sooth the roughness for you.GIVEAWAY: Just in time to rescue those tired, shopping, decorating, partying, cooking feet of yours or for you to give to someone as a special gift, Garden Botanika has set aside one of these gift sets for one of Chat With Vera's readers to vie for. Begins November 25 & ENDS December 16 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA mainland addresses only. (Note: We can not count on the winner receiving the prize by Christmas.)

a Rafflecopter giveawayDISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary gift set as described above to facilitate this review. No compensation was paid me. Opinions expressed are solely my own. Product information was retrieved from the Garden Botanika website.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

About the book: In Stolen Legacy, ExFeds Diane and David Munson (former Federal Prosecutor and NCIS Agent) ratchet up suspense when Federal agent Eva Montanna is dragged into a dark conflict threatening her family. WWII history comes alive for her, but secrets from Grandpa Marty’s past in the Dutch Resistance expose a relentless enemy fixed on revenge. New light shines on Marty’s bravery in hiding Jewish families from the Gestapo, but what is he concealing? The Munsons’ eighth thriller unveils priceless relics and a stolen legacy, forever changing Eva’s life and her faith.

My thoughts: Drawing from their personal experiences as a federal prosecutor and a NCIS special agent, Diane and David Munson are able to craft believable, exciting spy and thriller stories that will entertain but will also make the reader feel as though the plot was torn from the pages of the latest newspaper copy.

In Stolen Legacy we again meet Eva Montanna, but this time she is vacationing with her family at the home in which she grew up and her grandfather still lives there. But things begin to happen that are strange indeed and they seem centered around Grandfather Marty. The danger emanates from old, deadly tentacles that are stretched from the darkness of WWII history and the Dutch resistance. Just what was Grandpa Marty involved in? How does that affect the lives of people even today? Can Eva Montanna get her family to safe place and keep them from harm’s way?

While the story is a thriller and an adventure, you will learn about WWII and the part played by brave men and women during the war as the Dutch resisted the Germans and saved many Jewish families and individuals from the sure death they would face at the hand of the Germans.

You will love Grandpa Marty and his sweet and funny ways - watch out for him to endear himself to you! The ending is exciting and heart warming. I challenge you to grab a copy and get reading. You can count on the books written by this dynamic team to always be clean and safe reads to share with the family.

GIVEAWAY: I am so pleased to announce that authors Diane & David Munson are providing a copy of Stolen Legacy for one of Chat With Vera's readers. So enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Begins November 22 & ENDS December 12 @ 12:01 ET. Open for USA "lower 48" addresses only.a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The traditional Christmas carol, The First Noel, has been published in many, many forms throughout the years. Various artists have performed the song. Countless have illustrated it. The story is that of the good news of the birth of Jesus. How the shepherds and the wise men heard the tidings of the angelic song. The shepherds looked up and saw a star shining in the east.The song's text is given verse by verse, and since the child will have pushed the button, they can sing along learning as they sing this classic carol.Nathalie Beauvois has crafted strong scenes that have a softness to them that sweetly brings to life for the child the scenes of the birth of Jesus. The fields, the sheep, the shepherds, the star, the sleeping baby with adoring wise men.This study board book will be carried and loved by the young boy or girl to whom you present it. I envision a child going to sleep at night cuddling his or her favorite sleep toy and pushing the button of The First Noel once, twice, and - oh, they are asleep.

Now, just in case you don't want to wait to see if you win a copy, you purchase a copy at you favorite bookseller or at Christianbook.com

GIVEAWAY: Just in time for Christmas. Candy Cane Press, an imprint of Ideals Publications is providing one of Chat With Vera's readers the opportunity to win a copy for that special child in their life. There is no promise that the winner will receive the book in time for Christmas gifting, but the publisher will try to make that miracle happen. Begins November 20 & ENDS December 4 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA mainland addresses onlya Rafflecopter giveawayDISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of The First Noel from Ideals Publications in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are solely my own. No compensation was received.

Monday, November 18, 2013

About the book: During the reading of her mother’s will, Sheila Baker discovers that she has inherited everything her parents ever possessed, including their secrets. A mysterious safe deposit box key leads her to the answers to one of history’s greatest conspiracies: who killed John F. Kennedy? Not only does she have the missing film, revealing her mother as the infamous babushka lady, but she has proof that there was more than one shooter.

On the run from people who would stop at nothing to keep secrets buried, Shelia turns to billionaire sleuth Jason Hammond for help. Having lost his own family in a tragic plane crash, Jason knows a thing or two about running from the past. With a target on their backs, can Jason uncover the truth in time, or will this shooter finally make their mark?

My thoughts: November 22, 1963 I was a young mother of young children at
home taking care of them doing the daily things mothers of young children
do. We had a black and white TV that sat in the corner of our living room on a
small metal stand. Simple. Inexpensive. Yet, it was a connection to what was
going on in the world. We usually watched the news at night so we could keep up
with what was going on in the world outside our doorstep. There was, after all,
a cold war going on and America and the Soviet Union were on tender-hooks.
America’s President, John F. Kennedy,
was the first ever elected Catholic to this esteemed office. He had a charm that wooed the American people
and he was from a family of vast wealth
and connections.

November 22, 1963, dawned sunny and bright in Texas and
other parts of America. President Kennedy was visiting Dallas, Texas. Today it
is hard to remember just what that visit was all about. The parade was nearly over and then the nightmare
exploded our safe world just as the bullet exploded in the head of President
Kennedy.

In Frame 232 the
author has taken this mind numbing catastrophic event in American history,
woven bits and pieces of fact together to create a story that some may
believe satisfies the theories who was actually behind the assignation of our
President, of whether there was more than one gunman, of whether or not it as an
international conspiracy or an internal one, was it a lone deranged gunman or was
some other plot afoot?

Based on photographs from the day that showed the woman on
the side of the street in the crowded side lines that was dressed in a coat,
scarf, and sun glasses and who was perhaps holding a camera, the author has
fleshed out this lady with a personality, a life, and given her fears enough to
last a lifetime. Upon her death, the film she shot was passed along to
her daughter with the responsibility of its safe keeping. Because that film,
held a mighty secret.

Having personal recall of those dark days in American
history, I found the reading of this fictional take on the event interesting. I
personally never had time nor interesting in following through the years those
who believed they could reveal conspiracy this or conspiracy that in connection
with President Kennedy’s assignation. We
did watch with horror the replays of the assignation, capture of Oswald, murder
of Oswald, swearing in of President Johnson, the despair of Jacquelyn Kennedy,
the funeral of our President, and the grief of his family as well as that of our nation.
I found myself delving a bit into history as I read this book to refresh my
memory and to see just what substantiated the narrative.

I found the book interesting and worthy to be recommended.
Is there truth in it? Well, with facts that can be substantiated, yes. But
there is also fiction – it is after all, a work of fiction as acknowledged by the author.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of Frame 232 as part of the Tynale bloggers network for the purpose of review. No compensation was received and I was not expected to render a positive review.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Music is an art form that traditionally is shared with the young by older musicians - classroom music teachers, choir leaders, individual instrument instructors, parents, relatives, etc. Then when the child exhibits a true talent, more intense training is begun. But it is still something that is passed along. It is shared. It is taught. The fervor is shared and contagious.In Passing the Music Down, the author has recorded in beautifully expressive lyrical language the true story of Melvin Wine, aged Appalachian fiddler, and young Jake Krack who greatly desires to play the fiddler just like Mr. Wine. So Jake's parents take the boy to hear the fiddler and to play for the aged fiddler. Then the fiddler invites the boy to come visit and learn from him.They visit and finally they move nearby. The boy spends much time around the fiddler's homeplace helping with daily chores and then they relax in the evening on the porch and play their fiddles.This beautifully illustrated book takes you to the hills of West Virginia shrouded in mist resplendent in beauty. You see the age and gentleness of the old fiddler and the hope and desire of the young boy. You see the comfort of a warm fire and the joy of the moment.

Their lives are stitched togetherin a quilt of old-time tunes.Passing the music down.

This is a lovely book that should be in the collection of every elementary school and public library.GIVEAWAY: Candlewick Press has graciously provided a copy for one of Chat With Vera's readers to vie for and one winner will receive his own copy. Begins November 15 & ENDS December 5 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to US mainland addresses only.a Rafflecopter giveawayDISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Candlewick for the purpose of this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. No compensation was received for this review.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Crunchmaster® has launched a new line of Popped Edamame Chips and are available in two flavors — Sea Salt and Wasabi Soy. The chips are created by blending California rice and edamame (edible soy beans).

Photo by Chat With Vera®

The simple, all natural ingredients are air popped making them crisp and crunchy. True to Crunchmaster's® reputation and standards, these new Popped Edamame Chips are certified gluten free and no GMO's ingredients are used in them.Review: Sea Salt has a nice lightly salted taste that will go with most any dip or whatever you wish to eat them with. The Wasabi Soy chips have a definite bit but do not hold a spicy aftertaste. They are nice and light with a enough "heft" for dipping or they will be great just to pick up and snack on.

Photo by Chat With Vera®

Talking points on these new chips:

All Natural

Saturated Fat Free

Cholesterol Free

Certified Gluten Free

No Bioengineered Ingredients

GIVEAWAY: Here is your chance to try a bag of each of these new Popped Edamame Chips plus 4 other bags of CrunchMaster Crackers provided by the good folks at CrunchMaster! Begins November 15 & ENDS December 9 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to US mainland addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveawayDISCLOSURE: I received a bag of each of the Popped Edamame Chips to sample and review. I received no compensation for this review. The giveaway prize will be shipped directly to the winner from Crunchmaster.

In the series, Cyndi Woodsmall has created complicated characters living complicated lives in a new community of Amish and she manages to keep the reader on his toes right up the final pages. While it is not necessary to read these books in order, it definitely does help to do so. I believe a 4th in the series is due out in Spring 2014. I look forward to reading it.

Now in book 3, For Every Season, our characters siblings Leah, Samuel & Jacob King, Rhoda Byler, gifted horticulturalist and possessor of a sense of second sight, and London Olsen continue to bring to life an orchard and establish a new Amish community in the Maine area.

Jacob remains a very complicated character whose past continues to intrude hindering his relationship with Rhoda. Samuel loves Rhoda and respects the relationship blossoming between Jacob and Rhoda – at least most of the time.

I look forward to seeing where life will take these hard working young Amish and with whom each of them will share their lives.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy review to facilitate this review. No compensation was received for this review and I was not expected to provide a positive review.

A droll biography reveals the high notes—and the low notes—in the life of the world’s foremost composer of Baroque music.This is not your usual picture book biography. Nor was George Frideric Handel your everyday eighteenth-century composer. This witty and yet rigorously researched and accessible biography captures Handel’s essential spirit—from a child who smuggled a clavichord into the attic to play music against his father’s orders to a young man who imported forty-five pounds of mountain snow to chill wine for a gala—as well as his remarkable, enduring musical triumphs. But M. T. Anderson also shows Handel’s struggles and chronicles the illness, ill fortune, and despair that led to his greatest achievement, the Messiah. With impeccable detail and a wink at the reader, Kevin Hawkes illustrates the singular story of Handel and the music through which he lives on.

My thoughts: There are not many 8-12 year olds who would willing pick up a biography of Handel or any other musician from "ancient" history. However, M.T.Anderson's and Kevin Hawkes' witty yet factful story with illustrations that would appeal to the younger and not repel the older reader is engaging and will capture their attention. So the reader that needs to learn to read biographies yet would find the typical versions unappealing has a great choice in this biography.The author brings out that as a child HANDEL was willful and intent on getting his way and do what he liked - playing music. He grew to be a man strong in spirit who took control of who he was and what he did and where he did it. His music has survived since the early 1700s. The young reader will enjoy the drama in the story-telling, the humor, and the tidbits of additional information tucked at the bottom or side of the pages.

I think it is very appropriate to review this book and bring respect to the composer of The Messiah - one of the greatest and most inspiring oratories ever written - George Frederick Handel, as the Christmas season approaches and choirs across the world will sound forth the glorious chords and vibrant message in music of The Messiah. Like the author, M.T.Anderson, I too have sung parts of The Messiah. My husband sang it with the University of North Carolina choir years ago. We thank you, Mr. Handel for this wondrous music.

I encourage parents, music teachers, classroom teachers, and librarians to get a copy of this biography of Handel for their readers age 8-12.

GIVEAWAY: Candlewick Publishing has graciously provided a copy for one of Chat With Vera's readers to vie for. This is just in time to be a Christmas gift for that young reader in your life. Begins November 14 & ENDS November 29 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to US addresses only.a Rafflecopter giveawayDISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy for the purpose of this review. I received no compensation and was not required to write a positive review.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

About the book: Long ago in a faraway realm, the King of Little Things ruled happily over all things small - from buttons to beetles, from marbles to macaroni. When King Normous thinks he has finally become the ruler of all the world, he is enraged to learn that the King of Little Things still reigns happily in his tiny kingdom. Normous sends his army to defeat this upstart, but he finds he cannot outfight or outwit a king who holds sway over the little things of the world. After all, it is the little things that keep the big things going.

My thoughts: What a treasure trove of delightfully interesting things and critters. While the story alone is precious in its telling of haughty King Normous (for enormous) and his gluttonous raging appetite to be king of everything, and while the end result is his downfall at the hand of all the little things (screws, spiders, needles, pins, etc.) ruled by the King of Little Things, the illustrations pair so beautifully it is a reader's-trip to see it all.

I love Bill Lepp's story and it is full of meaning and intent while still being told as a fairy tale with magical kingdoms. Mr. Lepp's weaving words is a wordsmithing skill that delights the reader. And I love the illustrations that work so beautifully with the story. This is truly a good book for home libraries, public and school libraries, and gift-giving. Speaking of which, we have a major gift-giving season coming us. Check out the giveaway....

GIVEAWAY: Peachtree has graciously provided a copy of this delightful book for one of Chat With Vera's readers to win. Hopefully it will be to the winner by Christmas and make some child a special Christmas gift. Begins November 13 & ENDS November 28 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to US mainland addresses only.a Rafflecopter giveawayAuthor, Bil Lepp is a nationally renowned storyteller who has been featured numerous times at the National Storytelling Festival, at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and at major events across the country. He is also a recipient of the Storytelling Circle of Excellence Award. He lives in West Virginia.

Illustrator, David T. Wenzel is an illustrator and children's book artist, best known for illustrating the graphic novel edition of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. He lives in Connecticut.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to review by Peachtree Publishers with no obligation for positive review. No compensation was received for this review.

About the book: An under-the-radar phone call from the U.S. State Department puts Marc Royce once again on assignment--ferreting out rumors of a clandestine operation stretching from Asia to the Mideast. At stake is Iran's threat to blockade the narrow Strait of Hormuz, cutting off vital shipping routes and escalating global tensions beyond the breaking point.Under the guise of investigating money laundering via high-end art purchases in Europe, Royce finds himself in Switzerland with only sketchy information, no backup, and without a single weapon other than his wits.His appointment with a gallery owner in Geneva is a dead end--the man is on the floor with a bullet through his chest. But it turns out Royce does have backup. The Mossad has sent someone to keep an eye on this undercover op, which is of more than casual interest to the Israelis. And it's someone Royce knows...

My thoughts: I continue to be amazed at the writing of Davis Bunn. He is capable of writing on so many levels. This series, the Marc Royce Adventures, features an uncompromising man who is a determined warrior for the United States. But his loyalty is also to truth, honesty, and right. Working as an off-record CIA agent, his reputation for effectively handling impossible situations and his integrity still brings trusting involvement directed to him from high officials in the US Government.Straight of Hormuz begins explosively. It ends sweetly. Not a bad combination but it is the pages between explosive and sweet that matter. It is the international intrigue, deception, and identification of who is a good guy and who is not that create the suspense, the drama, the story.This is a story of finding God and finding oneself. It is a story of discovering what you love most in this world. Bunn has beautifully described each and every scene and drawn believable word pictures. His characters are clearly identified yet leave room for the reader's imagination to draw their own mind pictures. His treatment of international and terrorist threats and intervention is exciting and right on target. Again, a good book by Davis Bunn.DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group for the purpose of review. No compensation was received. No requirement for a positive review.

Davis Bunn is the award-winning author of numerous national bestsellers with sales totaling more than seven million copies. His work has been published in sixteen languages, and his critical acclaim includes three Christy Awards for excellence in fiction. Formerly a business executive working in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Bunn is now a lecturer in creative writing and Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University. He and his wife, Isabella, divide their time between the English countryside and the coast of Florida.

Monday, November 11, 2013

About the book: Two Christmas stories - one historical, one contemporary - under one cover. Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: An Appalachian Christmas - A promise to her dying sister compels Julia Mayfield to take her young nephew to Mistletoe, Kentucky, a tiny town tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains. Sparks fly when she meets David Armstrong, a World War II veteran like herself. Even as shadows from the past weave a dangerous web around Julia and David, will their love flourish like the mistletoe that blankets the nearby hills?

Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: Once Upon a Christmas - EveHollie Goodnight's store has just been voted best Christmas shop in America. All the new publicity draws flamboyant novelist Van Keaton to the cozy town of Noel, Missouri, demanding to write Hollie's story - a dramatic tale of misfortune and triumph. She is swept up in his world of beautiful words and fanciful interludes...until Owen Quigly, her lifelong best friend, launches a plan to win her back. (from Goodreads.com)

My thoughts: I thoroughly enjoynovellas centered around Christmas that are sweet, endearing, hold a glimmer of truth, and leave a warm-fuzzy feeling. That is just what authors Irene Brand and Anita Higman have accomplished. Ms. Brand has woven a delightful tale in Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: An Appalachian Christmas that draws the heart and mind to the beauty of untamed and unclaimed and unspoiled living in the Appalachian Mountains at the end of WWII. This is a period of time in history when much progress was being made in the "outside" world and yet progress that had eluded the Appalachians needed to penetrate yet not destroy. This tender story revolves around the mistletoe for which the town is name but the real clincher for it doesn't come until the end and that is the connection between the two novellas that are a couple of generations apart.

Anita Higman, author of Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: Once Upon a Christmas, has brought a delightful story to the table in this set of two. How Holly came to connect with the Christmas Shop in Noel and the love she has for her "fathAr" is so tender and sweet. Her interaction with the two young men - one an old friend and the other a newcomer are fun to watch. I can say I really enjoy Anita Higman's writing. (See my other reviews of her works on Chat With Vera).

Now if you can find a bookstore with a copy or a library be sure you grab it for an enjoyable "Christmas" evening read that is relaxing and pleasurable.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from author Anita Higman with no obligation to review. It was a pleasure to read and review.

I began reading brand new novelist, Jordyn Redwood's first book and it captivated me with its intensity, authenticity, colorful characters, and great readability. Ms. Redwood could be a stand-alone-professional author without ever again darkening the doors of a hospital ER or PICU. But since she excels majestically in nursing skills and knowledge and since she has taken her nursing to an entirely new level by bring to her reading audience the life she actually lives day-to-day and laced that living with fringe elements of medicine and science, we can see why she contracted with her publisher for the Bloodline Triology that included Proof, Poison, and now the final one - Peril. Her one-word alliteration for titles speaks succinctly of her wordsmithing skills. Now a word or so about book three - The story evolves around nurse, Morgan Adams who exists traumatized by her baby's death of a sever health problem, and her neurosurgeon doctor-husband, Tyler Adams. Dr. Tyler Adams is a highly principled physician who has begun to work a side-line with a NeuroGenics group. He begins to see major problems with the program and seeks out its leader for answers and solutions. Lives hang in the balance. Ethics take a back seat. Legalities of the program and personal risks to the patients are swept under the rug. We see brutal antagonists and power play gone a-muck. Peril is a great stand alone book as are Proof and Poison. It is really good to read all three in sequence to get all the inter-connectivity and personality interplay.Jordyn Redwood, my question to you is, "What is next on the docket for you?" I can hardly wait to see what your creative mind is now working on.GIVEAWAY: The author, Jordyn Redwood, has provided Chat With Vera a copy to give one of my readers. Simply follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter entry form below. Open to USA addresses ONLY. Begins November 11 & ENDS December 3 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. a Rafflecopter giveawayDISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of Peril in exchange for my honest review from Kregel Publishing. The giveaway copy is provided by the author for one of Chat With Vera's readers enjoyment.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Stuck in city or woods with the kiddies and long to travel or at the very least ensure your kiddies learn about this great big wonderful world of ours, the civilizations, the history, the peoples? Well, author, Lisa Manzione and illustrator, Kristine Lucco will bring the world to your door step courtesy of Bella & Harry.

Let's go on The Adventures of Bella & Harry - Let's Visit Athens..... Cairo..... Jerusalem..... and Istanbul!Bella & Harry are little really cute little dogs and they travel the world. Want to travel with them? Pack your suitcase and let's go. We're going to the very seat of history...

Athens - Greece

Cairo - Egypt

Jerusalem - Israelild's

Istanbul - Turkey

As Chat With Vera's readers already know, I love it when a young child's book is entertaining as well as educational. There is such a dearth of instruction in the schools and text books today, that children are not gaining knowledge of the world in which they live, where countries are located, what country is neighbor to another, what the cultural aspects of the population is, what the land mass is, and if it is dissected by rivers or surrounded by water. It is sad. But there are some books on the market that you can use to enlighten and bring the world home to your special child. Recently I featured some books that are a great introduction to social studies and cultures. Then I also reviewed a very large book of maps illustrated with small drawings of the history, peoples, animals, land formations, etc. Chat With Vera wants children to learn about their world.Now to travel with Bella & Harry to the cradle of civilation... got your passport?

Each of these books is beautifully printed in bold colors and hardbound. They have a map that positions the city you're visiting. You learn about the famous buildings, rivers. You see what they eat, what they wear, and what their religion is. There are a few words in the back in the language of that city/country with their meaning. And the illustrations are a real joy. Watch this video and see.....

GIVEAWAY: Just in time for Christmas! This will make a wonderful gift for that special child in your life. Use the Rafflecopter entry form and let's see who can win a living room-travel-set for a child. All 4 of these books to one winner! Begins November 7 & ENDS November 26 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA mainland addresses only.a Rafflecopter giveawayAbout the author & illustrator: Lisa Manzione, Author - The Bella and Harry series of children's books is Lisa Manzione's first foray into children's fiction writing. As a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Lisa's entrance into the field of literature is one she has eagerly awaited and is very passionate about.

The series was developed with the hope of inspiring young readers to embrace the world and encourage its exploration. Done through the comedic and informative adventures of Bella and Harry, while traveling through various countries, Lisa hopes to stimulate children's imaginations and foster a thirst for understanding the world in which they live

Kristen Lucco, Illustrator - Born in rural Pennsylvania, Kristine's passion for art began at a young age. This interest in art continued and ultimately led Kristine to study at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.Her talent was quickly recognized as extraordinary by local designers and today, over 20 years later, Kristine's art and designs adorn walls and a myriad of other surfaces all over south Florida.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

About the book: The First Christmas Night is a beautiful retelling of the birth of Jesus on that joyous night in Bethlehem so long ago. The poem begins with the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem and winds though Christ’s birth, the angels’ appearance to the shepherds, and the visit by the Wise Men. The simple, yet elegant, verses will appeal to little ones and are accompanied by the rich acrylic illustrations of ChristineKornacki.

’Twas the very first Christmas when all through the town

not a creature was stirring—there was not a sound.

The moon shining bright in the heavens so high

gave the look of midday to the Bethlehem sky.

The animals were nestled in warm, cozy places

with looks of contentment on each of their faces.

My thoughts: First of all, a children's book requires good illustrations for it to appeal to the buyer as well as to the child. In The First Christmas Night the illustrations are artistic, realistic, soft, appealing, and lend "life" in true form to the Biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ. While the text of the story is not scriptural, it does account well for a child the story of that first Christmas when our Savior was born in a lowly manager.Using the "format" of The Night Before Christmas" as a pattern, the author nestles the animals in warm, cozy places. He brings smiles to the poetry that re-tells the Biblical account. While I thoroughly appreciate any way we can get Biblical accounts "nestled" into the minds of children, and while I really do not care at all for "cartoon" characterizations of God's Word, I believe that even the young child can understand the beauty of the actual account from the Gospel of Luke. That being said, I like this book and will certainly endorse it for families, children, libraries everywhere.GIVEAWAY: Win this treasure for that special child in your life. Open for USA & CANADIAN addresses. Begins November 5 & ENDS November 25 @ 12:01 a.m. ET.Win the book just in time for Christmas!a Rafflecopter giveawayAbout the author - Keith Christopher is a composer, arranger, orchestrator, and educator, and he has served as editor and producer for several major music publishers. In addition to writing and studio producing, Keith is on the faculty at the Blair School of Music of Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.

About the Illustrator - At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life. After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children's books began to take shape, including illustrating the best-selling The Sparkle Box for Ideal's Children's Books. Christine's recent work also includes illustrating the six-book series for the American Girl historical doll characters Marie-Grace and Cecile. She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut.

Who is it for?

Kids ages 4-8 - The rhyming language can help them develop verbal language skills and learn to read

Monday, November 4, 2013

A Bible storybook especially for young children who always have a teddy bear at storytime, with a padded coverThe 12 favorite retellings included in this collection are chosen to emphasize the message of God's love and care. Each story concludes with a blessing, prayer, or reflection which is illustrated with the child and the teddy bear together. Children will love the endearing illustrations which will help them to relate easily to the stories and prayers, making for a perfect snuggle-up storytime. The 12 stories are In the Beginning, Noah and the Ark, Baby Moses, David and Goliath, Jonah Learns a Lesson, Daniel and the Lions, Jesus is Born, Jesus the Teacher, The Story of the Sower, The Lost Sheep, The Farmer's Son, The Man in the Tree, The Good Samaritan, and The First Easter. (copied from Goodreads.com) My thoughts: This is another delightful children's book strong on Biblical thoughts and instruction that draw the young child's heart and mind toward God. I have come to find that Lion Hudson produces some really good young children's books and have found them very easy to recommend to my Chat With Vera's readers. In Bible and Prayers for Teddy and Me we find the child has his ever-present cuddly Teddy with him. The author takes the young child virtually through the Bible in a variety of treasured stories that teach lessons that even a young child can learn. A parent can be sure to help the child to understand that these are not just stories but actually accounts of people and how God worked in their lives. This will bring the child to understand that God is watching out for him, too, protecting, guiding, providing for, comforting. Picture that special child in your life snuggled next to you and clutching his Teddy as you read to him or her from this delightful book. Each story ends with a short prayer(in verse form) that connects the heart of the child to God. I found the illustrations softly colorful and whimsical yet realistic in a "children's artsy manner" that will appeal to the young child without the "cartoony" style so prevalent in today's children's literature.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of Bible and Prayers for Teddy and Me by Kregel on behalf of the Lion Hudson Publishing and the author in exchange for my honest review. No compensation was received for this review and I was not required to give a positive review.

The year is 1524. Priest-scholar William
Tyndale makes the fateful decision to produce an English Testament without
Church permission. He knows that a vernacular scripture will free the common
people from spiritual domination by a corrupt and ignorant clergy. If Tyndale is
caught, he’ll die at the stake. So will anyone found assisting him. Owen Alton,
a London grocer’s heir, catches Tyndale’s vision. But if he helps Tyndale, he’ll
be disinherited and lose Jane Horne, the minor-knight’s stepdaughter he loves.
Jane has defied her family in her desire to wed Owen. If he now should leave her
for Tyndale…. As if she doesn’t have enough troubles already, Jane discover the he
shocking secret behind her mother’s ruby ring…

Review: I previously reviewed a short biography of William Tyndale and his quest to get the Bible into the hands of the English speaking peoples in their own language and was interested to see just how author, Karen Rees would handle this jewel of history via the novel Ruby Ring. Actually before reading the book, I wondered just how a ruby ring would factor into Tyndale's story of bringing the Bible to the people in their own tongue.

After reading this enjoyable book, I realized that it is a sweet romance that happens to take place during the time of Tyndale and involves the smuggling of Bibles into English speaking countries - primarily England. There are strong scenes of persecution that are quite moving and yet most likely still do not reveal the true terror of the times. Those were brutal times in history and Christian factions were truly at war with one another and all over control of placing God's Word into the people's hands for their own reading.

The practice of arranged marriages and pursuant struggle of actual love relationships to thrive is interesting and historically based. This is a clean, sweet romance with a strong historical setting.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for this review and received no compensation to review the book. Opinions expressed are solely my own.

I highly anticipated this read by Steven James as I do enjoy science (current or futuristic) interwoven with current events, but as I read the story, I found it disturbing to my personal sensibilities. I believe this would be a more appropriate read for mature men than myself, an older, Southern lady. The author's writing style is very good and I found intriguing. The character's are well developed and believable. The plot has enough angles and twists that your mind has to stay right on top to follow.

Top secret government and private sector programs. Technology gone amuck. Pharmaceuticals on the cutting edge or even unethical fringe take this story to a level that will leave mature readers cringing. I would only recommend this book for strong minded (and stomached) readers.

Steven James - Critically acclaimed author Steven James has written more than thirty books, including Placebo and the bestselling Bowers Files thriller series. He is a contributing editor to Writer's Digest. Steven lives in Tennessee with his wife and three daughters.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to render a positive review and received no compensation for it.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Since its founding on May 14, 1948, no country has proven more controversial than Israel as headlines, the world over, challenge its rights as a sovereign nation. Why does this tiny nation hold the world’s attention and compel governments around the globe to shun recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s undivided capital?

In his debut novel, Torn Blood (Bo Iti Press, Fall 2013), author David J. Bain probes these questions in a story that asks if justice can prevail for a people maligned and persecuted over the ages because of their birthright.

The Plot

Three weeks before reporting for duty at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Addison Deverell arrives in Israel on a mission—to find the source of the conflict between Arabs and Jews. Bound to an escort by the embassy, he is unable to begin his search as time is running out. Mere days before he must report for duty, Addison is freed from his forced escort as another escort takes his place. Addison issues an ultimatum that, with or without help, he is going into Palestinian territory for answers he can’t find in Israel. As Addison races to uncover the truth that promises to establish a career, he faces danger from those he seeks to understand and finds himself a pawn in an international plot to drive Israel’s Jews into the sea.

Nearly seven thousand miles away in Oregon, Dr. Janelle Henning confronts a secret that threatens to destroy the only family she’s ever known. A search for understanding thrusts her into a world long buried to confront a birthright hidden by the passage of time. Brought together by events, Janelle and Addison discover hidden identities in a relationship they have shared for a lifetime.

Review: David J. Bain's book, Torn Blood, is a fictional novel that demonstrates issues of a very real world! The author, David J. Bain, reminds the reader to remember that the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful. It is the rare extremists that are committed to carry the hatred of Israel's people from one generation to another. This hatred is expressed in extreme violence.Torn Blood is about a story that takes place in the Middle East and portrays a 4000 year old battle between Israel and some of its surrounding nations. Most of the government agencies mentioned in the story are authentic and this fact helps to make the story believable to the reader. At first the story is a little hard to assimilate because each new chapter is about a different character and place in time. In addition, the use of broken English, used to portray characters trying to speak a second language, can be somewhat frustrating. However, it merits the effort of the reader to stay engaged. After the first several chapters, the story line starts to come together and connections between the characters and their lives are made. This novel is an exciting and action packed story that makes the characters come to life! There is even a surprise ending! Don’t let the number of pages stop you from “diving in”!

GIVEAWAY: You have the opportunity to win a copy of Torn Blood whether you live in the USA or CANADA. Begins November 4 & ENDS November 25 @ 12:01 a.m. ET.a Rafflecopter giveawayAbout Bo Iti Press

Bo Iti Press, is a newly founded niche publisher focusing on stories about the Jewish experience as well as the rights of Israel as a sovereign nation. It is a Christian publishing company owned by a Gentile believer who is passionate about Israel. The press is based in Jackson, WY.

About the Author

David J. Bain is a novelist focused on writing stories about the Jewish experience and founder of Bo Iti Press. His debut book, Torn Blood, releases in the fall of 2013. Before launching his publishing company, he collaborated on two screenplays made into movies and has been involved in the business world for more than 30 years where his company publishes technical manuals and he wrote the company’s occasional newsletter. David, and his wife, Doris, reside in Oregon.

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"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." John 5:24

__________________________"Courage is fear that has said it's prayers."(pg. 129 A Wedding for Julia by Vannetta Chapman)

You can never learn that Christ is all you need, until Christ is all you have ~Corrie Ten Boom

"God has a very unique way of scooping up the shattered fragments of our hopes and dreams and molding them into a plan of His own - a plan vastly different from ours, but far more wonderful."--Anita Dittman, Holocaust survivor

Man has a madness to misuse that which his mind has manufactured.--Vera G.

A mountain top view is always the more appreciated after you climb out of a dark valley.--Vera G.

To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time.— Leonard Bernstein

Some of the people who have impacted me have been as ships that pass in the night. A brief encounter that none-the-less leaves a wake that lifts and floats you and somehow impacts you. Friends are not always forever. They are sometimes like ships in the night – passing briefly and casting a radiance on our being.--Vera

As each new chapter unfolds, we look at past days with wishful sighs longing for the sweetness of them. But each new dawn brings exciting adventures for the growing child to embrace as an adult and for the parent to embrace as one who has launched a wonderful ship on the sea of life.

When play is the work of children and imagination the fuel of discovery, the longings of a child's heart become fantastically real to them enabling them to engage in a world of wonder.